Gone are the days when "Women's Activities" meant arts and crafts projects. Women attending EAA AirVenture 2014 had the opportunity to network and participate in a day-long roster of women-centered events, all geared toward their active involvement in the aviation community.

"Before WomenVenture, women could feel isolated in Oshkosh," says WAI President Peggy Chabrian. "Now, from the WAI Connect Breakfast to the group photo and the lunch, women experience the comradery that comes from having the WomenVenture experience." 

At WAI's breakfast on Wednesday, WAI Chapter Manager Audra Hoy announced an expanded youth outreach initiative called Girls in Aviation. In addition to a full program during WAI's annual conference - scheduled for March 5-7, 2015, in Dallas - a Girls in Aviation Day is slated for September 26, 2015. WAI's dozens of chapters will reach out to girls in their local communities with the purpose of introducing them to aviation and sharing the excitement and career opportunities in the many facets of aviation. 

In Oshkosh, the group WomenVenture photo has become a tradition, and this year Boeing Plaza was filled with hundreds of WomenVenture participants all in their purple t-shirts along with the high school girls taking part in EAA's Women Soar program. 

"We have a fantastic partner in EAA, which has committed to making WomenVenture a success," says Chabrian. "We are already exploring ideas to enhance and expand WomenVenture 2015, knowing how important this program has become for our members and other women who are part of the aviation community."